Driver-Based SoC Power State Control for Battery Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management techniques for battery-powered devices are inefficient due to their static nature, failing to adapt to fluctuating user interactions and application requirements, leading to unnecessary power consumption and reduced battery life.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an active driver system that dynamically controls the power states of hardware components within a device, allowing individual drivers to manage their respective components' power states based on operational demands, thereby minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If static power control schemes are used where components are fully operational or completely turned off, then power management simplicity is maintained, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to fluctuating operational demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning from static power states (fully on/off) to a spectrum of power states including partial operational states. The system dynamically adjusts component power states based on real-time operational demands, allowing components to operate at reduced power levels when full performance is not required, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power consumption parameter by introducing intermediate power states between fully operational and completely off. By adjusting power delivery parameters (voltage, frequency, clock speed) based on operational needs, the system optimizes the balance between performance and power consumption, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If all hardware components are kept fully operational to ensure immediate responsiveness, then device responsiveness is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to continuous power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice responsivenessVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-warming critical components or maintaining them in low-power operational states rather than completely shutting them down. This allows components to be quickly activated when needed without requiring full power-up sequences, thereby maintaining responsiveness while reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hardware components are activated simultaneously in response to operational demands, then system functionality is improved, but power consumption increases due to the 'thundering herd' effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the activation process by individualizing driver control over hardware components. Instead of a monolithic activation response, each driver independently manages its component's power state based on specific operational needs. This segmentation prevents the thundering herd effect where multiple components simultaneously wake up, thereby reducing peak power consumption while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where drivers receive signals about operational demands and adjust component activation accordingly. By monitoring operational context and using this feedback to make informed decisions about component activation, the system activates only necessary components at appropriate times, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250377707A1Power Efficiency Techniques for Devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 APPLE INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed relating to managing power efficiency in devices. In various embodiments, an active driver system determines power states of device components based on operational state transitions detected by drivers executing within a first system-on-chip (SoC). The system involves activating or deactivating components integrated within a second SoC based on the power needs ascertained by the corresponding drivers managing the components. The system also involves activating or deactivating the second SoC based on the power states of the components integrated within the second SoC. The drivers provide instructions to manage power states dynamically, allowing for the conservation of energy by deactivating components when not required.